Careers in Early Childhood Education may lead to a wide range of employment in fields such as childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, and public schools. As a part of the Family and Consumer Science cluster, there are many potential career pathways that students interested in Early Childhood Education may wish to explore. VALEES member schools with Early Childhood Education programs that articulate with Waubonsee Community College's Early Childhood Program include:
- Batavia H.S.
- East Aurora H.S.
- Fox Valley Career Center
- Indian Valley Vocational Center
- Oswego and Oswego East H.S.
- Plano H.S.
- West Aurora H.S.
Employment in Early Childhood Education is projected to grow at about the same rate as the average for other occupations. About two out of five childcare workers is self-employed. Pay depends upon the educational attainment of the worker and the type of work:
- Teacher assistant $16,000-$35,000
- Early childhood educator $20,900-$32,370
- Elementary school teacher $35,000-$80,000
Career Cruising provides additional career information that will be helpful in planning a career pathway. If you have not yet used Career Cruising, it will be helpful to talk with your school counselor for free access to this valuable online career planning tool.
